Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood, occurring in about two per thousand live births. In Australia, there are about 700 new cases each year and a total of 34,000 people have cerebral palsy. Whilst some children only have a movement disorder, for others there may be associated problems including visual and hearing impairment, cognitive disability and a range of health issues including epilepsy, nutritional and respiratory problems. Despite the frequency and severity of cerebral palsy, there remains large gaps in our knowledge of risk factors, causes and best treatments.

Our research program has two aims: 1) to gain an improved understanding of the risk factors and causes of cerebral palsy with the ultimate goal of preventing some cases, and 2) to determine the optimal interventions (therapy, medications, surgery) for them. The ultimate goal is to improve outcomes, participation and quality of life for children with cerebral palsy and their families.

Staff

Dr Kylie Crompton

Ms Tessa Devries

Ms Angela Guzys

Dr Adrienne Harvey

Ms Alex Holland

Ms Elaine Meehan

Ms Clare McKinnon

Ms Linda McNamara

Dr Carmen Pace

Dr Sue Reid

Dr Kirsty Stewart

Ms Rachel Toovey

Dr Kate Willoughby

A/Professor Adam Scheinberg

Ms Christine Westbury

Collaborators

Australian Catholic University

CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research

Cerebral Palsy Alliance

Deakin University

La Trobe University

Monash Health

University of Sydney

University of Western Australia

Yooralla

Funding

Cerebral Palsy Alliance

Ian Potter Foundation

Murdoch Childrens Research Institute

National Health and Medical Research Council

The Lorenzo and Pamela Galli Charitable Trust

The Royal Children's Hospital Foundation

Victorian Medical Insurance Agency

Research Opportunities

This research project is available to PhD, Masters, Honours students to join as part of their thesis.Please contact the Research Group Leader to discuss your options.

Gilson K-M, Davis E, Reddihough D, Graham K. & Waters E. Quality of Life in Children with Cerebral Palsy: Implications for Practice. Journal of Child Neurology (Special Issue on Innovation in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy: A 21st century view). Journal of Child Neurology. 2014:29(8):1134-40.